Joshua Zirkzee responds to Man United ‘mate’ Matthijs de Ligt’s ‘together’ message
Matthijs de Ligt sent an important message to Man United fans following a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Joshua Zirkzee scored just his sixth goal in all competitions since joining the Red Devils last summer, only to be cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty 20 minutes from time on 6 March.
Alejandro Garnacho finally recorded his first goal contribution since January, after sensational work on the right flank, before firing the ball across to his teammate in the centre.
Keith Hackett told Football Insider that the penalty decision on Bruno Fernandes was spot-on as Man United were pegged back in Spain, but it gave the team a platform ahead of the second leg.
Ruben Amorim is under pressure from frustrated Man United fans, and with a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals at stake, his future could already be on the line at Old Trafford.
Matthijs de Ligt looking ahead to Man United second leg
Taking to Instagram [6 March], de Ligt wrote: “Part II next week. Let’s do it together!” which caught plenty of attention on social media.
The goalscorer, Zirkzee, replied, “Mate of mine,” and Mark Goldbridge also replied with a fire emoji.
Ruben Amorim questions already emerging at Old Trafford
Football Insider verdict
Richard Keys already believes Amorim has one eye on the Man United exit doors, but some fans are still backing the under-pressure manager until he brings in his squad of players.
However, with the financial issues currently plaguing Old Trafford, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe cutting costs at Man United, it could be quite a while until Amorim finally has his style of player available.
| Man United’s upcoming fixtures | Competition |
| Arsenal (H) | Premier League |
| Real Sociedad (H) | Europa League |
| Leicester City (A) | Premier League |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | Premier League |
| Man City (H) | Premier League |
The likes of Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund are all being criticised for their recent performances, and with United sitting 14th in the Premier League, it is easy to understand why.
With the team still fighting in the Europa League, though, there is silverware to fight for and United can finish a tough campaign on a high note, and de Ligt is especially looking forward to facing Sociedad.
The squad needs to stick together through the tough times, and with some very tough fixtures on the horizon, it could be all-important in the run-in to the end of the season.